Nurturing minds and bodies

Three-year nursing degree helps graduates enter the workforce sooner

A three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) allows Wright State students to graduate and enter the workforce more quickly, helping to fill a critical need for nurses in the Dayton region.

The popularity of the accelerated program has increased in recent years. Launched in fall 2023, the first cohort of 32 students will graduate in late summer 2025 after studying for six consecutive semesters. Sixty new students are expected to begin the program this fall.

The School of Nursing collaborates with clinical partners throughout the region to enhance students’ learning and contribute to student success. Students spend around 200 hours in clinical experiences during a capstone.

For their final semester, students are required to complete a preceptorship where they work in one of the region’s hospitals, supervised by a registered nurse, caring directly for patients. Many students receive job offers before graduation from the facilities in which their preceptorships take place.

“Wright State’s nursing program is dedicated to meeting the needs of our students and community partners,” said Vicki Evans, director of the pre-licensure B.S.N. program. “Our goal is to graduate highly qualified, competent nurses who continue to serve our communities.”

New degree programs offered in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences

The School of Health and Exercise Sciences currently offers a sports science degree with two concentrations: health and fitness, and sports medicine. Beginning in Fall Semester 2025, these concentrations will be standalone degree programs. The health and fitness concentration will become the new Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, which is the path for students interested in fitness, recreation, and strength and conditioning.

The sports medicine concentration will become the new Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, providing a pathway to graduate programs and offering concentration areas in pre-athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy, and pre-sport and rehabilitation medicine. The program can also accommodate students in pre-chiropractic medicine.

Also starting in fall 2025, the school will offer a 3-2 option within the Master of Athletic Training program. Students who declare health sciences/pre-athletic training as their major are automatically enrolled in the five-year program with three years of undergraduate study, followed by a two-year master’s degree program. This new option reduces costs for students interested in athletic training as their career path.

Supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of the community

As mental health issues and illnesses continue to increase dramatically, faculty in the School of Social Work and Human Services are training the next generation of professionals to help individuals — of all ages — overcome these challenges.

“Clinical counseling may be more important to society than ever. Thankfully, public stigma of mental illness is lowering, and people are more open to the idea of seeking help,” said Josh Francis, Ph.D., director of the clinical mental health counseling program. “Clinical counselors are uniquely positioned to help people work toward greater mental health as they are thoroughly trained and skilled in the core areas of treatment.”

The master’s degree program trains students to work as therapists with a diverse group of clients. Students gain real-world experience through intensive practicums and internships with a variety of service providers and agencies across the Dayton region, including hospitals, mental health agencies, private practices, forensic facilities, schools, and nursing facilities.

Graduates may become licensed as professional counselors and professional clinical counselors (LPC/LPCC) in Ohio, allowing them to independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.

For Amy Johnson, clinical mental health counseling is a second career.

“As a nontraditional student, I looked for a diverse program that would fit my needs and make me feel included, challenge me, and give me the tools to counsel clients,” she said. “I’m in my last semester and I am happy that I chose Wright State.”

While the job of a school counselor is not to deal specifically with students’ mental health challenges, they collaborate with mental health counselors in schools and help students from pre-K to grade 12 focus on their academics, career aspirations, and social and emotional well-being.

Students in the Master of Education in School Counseling degree program spend at least one year getting real-world training in one of the program’s 35 affiliated schools.

“My internship experience has provided me with hands-on experience in various settings, including individual counseling, small group sessions, classroom lessons, and indirect student services,” said Bryn Stansberry. “I have gained the expertise to address students＊ personal and social development, academic success, and career readiness while fostering a positive and supportive school environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.”

Tara Hill, Ph.D., the program’s director, works closely with the school counselor advisory committee to make sure the curriculum meets the needs of future employers.

“Our site supervisors are very pleased with the student interns they have,” said Hill. “We are an application-based program. We have classes in advanced thinking and theory, but we want students, when they graduate, to be ready to work with kids.”

The bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work train students to provide counseling services and work in professional roles such as school social work, medical social work, and child protective services. Individuals with a graduate degree and licensure are qualified to diagnose mental illnesses.

“Licensed mental health services are extremely important for the community and patients,” said Jennifer Hughes, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Social Work. “They are in high demand, and we are currently experiencing a shortage of licensed mental health providers.”

Both undergraduate and graduate students can intern with more than 100 community partners. Many receive job offers while completing their degrees.

“There are not enough positive words to describe my education in the social work program,” said Kimberly McKinley. “Each professor I interacted with was committed to helping me be successful. I owe my success as a social worker and therapist to Wright State’s social work program. And now, I am eager to begin my master’s degree program this summer.”

This article was originally published in the 2025 issue of the Wright State Magazine. Read more stories at wright.edu/magazine.